Vacuum-Driven Microfluidic Fluid Analysis Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional point-of-care devices for blood analysis are bulky, costly, and often require external pumps, making them unsuitable for disposable use, while lateral flow test strips lack precise control over fluid flow, limiting their applicability.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-cost, disposable fluid analyzing device that integrates a microchip and a closed micro-fluidic component with a vacuum compartment to propagate the fluid sample, eliminating the need for external pumps and enabling precise control over fluid flow using capillary forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external pumps are used to propagate fluid sample through microfluidic channels, then fluid flow control is achieved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external pump component from the system entirely. Instead of using a pump to propagate the fluid sample, the invention relies on capillary forces generated by the microfluidic channel structure itself and vacuum application to the collection chamber to draw the fluid through the sensing device, thereby eliminating the bulky pump component while maintaining fluid flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic channel is designed to generate its own fluid propagation mechanism through capillary action. The channel structure automatically draws the fluid sample from the inlet through the sensing region to the collection chamber without requiring external mechanical assistance, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for pumps
2Reliability
If external pumps are used to propagate fluid sample, then fluid flow is controlled, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the pump component entirely and replacing it with passive capillary-driven flow and vacuum assistance, the patent eliminates the associated manufacturing costs of pump components, drivers, and control electronics, significantly reducing overall device cost while maintaining fluid flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention is designed as a disposable single-use device where the entire microfluidic sensing unit can be discarded after one use. This approach reduces cost by eliminating the need for expensive, reusable pump components and allows for mass production of simple, inexpensive disposable units
3Device complexity
If lateral flow test strips are used for fluid analysis, then device simplicity is maintained, but precise control of fluid flow is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely passive lateral flow mechanism with a hybrid system that combines capillary action (mechanical) with vacuum assistance (pressure differential). This substitution provides precise control over fluid flow rate and timing while maintaining the simplicity of a disposable device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls fluid flow by changing the pressure parameter - applying vacuum to the collection chamber creates a pressure differential that drives fluid through the microfluidic channel at a controlled rate, enabling precise flow control that lateral flow strips cannot achieve
4Ease of operation
If conventional point-of-care devices are made disposable, then device portability and ease of use improve, but fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a disposable device that uses simple, inexpensive materials and manufacturing processes. The microfluidic channel is formed using low-cost techniques, and the entire device can be manufactured in large quantities at low cost, making disposable use economically viable
Solution Approach 2:
By removing expensive components like pumps and complex electronics from the disposable unit, the patent reduces fabrication cost. The disposable device contains only the essential microfluidic sensing element, which can be manufactured cheaply, while fluid control functions are provided by the device architecture itself rather than expensive components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a cost-effective, easy-to-use, fully integrated solution for fluid analysis, reducing device size and fabrication costs, and allowing precise control over fluid flow, enhancing the accuracy of biochemical reactions.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum compartment air-tight connected to the sensing device and adapted for creating a suction force in the micro-fluidic component by opening the vacuum compartment
Implementation Method 2
precise control of the flow of a fluid sample propagating through the test strips
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fluid analyzing device that includes a sensing device for analyzing a fluid sample. The sensing device includes a microchip configured for sensing the fluid sample, and a closed micro-fluidic component for propagating the fluid sample to the microchip. The fluid sample can be provided to the micro-fluidic component via an inlet of the fluid analyzing device. And a vacuum compartment, which is air-tight connected to the sensing device, can create in the micro-fluidic component a suction force suitable for propagating the fluid sample through the micro-fluidic component.